James J "Jim" Collins

James J. "Jim" Collins, 74, of Natrona Heights, passed away Monday, March 28, 2016 at Allegheny Valley Hospital. He was born November 6, 1941, son of the late Jules and Frances (Wiesenbaugh) Collins. James spent 35 years in the education field. He was a Math teacher for Burrell High School and Assistant Football Coach, Math Teacher at Deer Lakes High School and their head football coach, was Vice Principal and Principal at Thomas Jefferson High School and an Athletic Director. James was the Executive Director and President of the WPIAL and most recently Assistant to the Executive Director of the WPIAL. James graduated in 1959 from Tarentum High School, earned his undergraduate degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and graduate degrees at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. James loved sports. He played football in High school and later coached football, basketball and volleyball. He was a member of the Tarentum Elks and Eagles. James especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their activities. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Doris (McAfoose) Collins; his children, Brian (Holly) Collins, Ross Twp. and Leslie (Ben) Craven, Pine Twp.; grandchildren Tyler and Gracin Collins, Ross Twp. and Ryan and Joshua Craven, Pine Twp.: a sister Barbara Jean (Collins)Emmerling, New Kensington. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews who he enjoyed. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael in 1974 and sisters, Jo Ann Crosky and Peggy Collins, Visitation 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday in the Duster Funeral Home, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526 where parting prayers will be held on Friday at 9:30 am followed by a Christian Funeral Mass at 10AM in Holy Martyrs Church, Tarentum with Rev. Thomas L. Gillespie, MD, officiating. Burial in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Twp. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Jim to the W.P.I.A.L. Scholarship fund, 615 Iron City Drive, Suite 300, Pgh., PA 15205. VISIT: dusterfuneralhomeinc.com